Based on my experiences as a grade six and seven classroom teacher and from various sports teams, I have seen multiple examples of leadership and formed my ideas and opinions of what works. I have had the opportunity to have many leadership opportunities and experience different leadership styles. This has allowed me to understand better what attributes I value in a leader and how I can integrate these attributes into my own teaching and leadership style. Although traditional leadership styles and attributes are important, the role of technology has resulted in newer styles or other attributes becoming more essential. Technology allows for the opportunity to step back as a leader. Still, a good leader finds a way to integrate their strengths with technology to encourage, inspire and support their team members.

Fair-minded, Supportive, and Honest

Technology does not alter the importance of a leader having these attributes. When a leader has these attributes, it can help inspire team members to do whatever it takes to meet the goals and deadlines set out by a leader. More importantly, it makes members of the team feel seen and valued. In terms of technology, a leader could show this by being honest about what they have knowledge and experience about and what they don’t. Allowing other team members to share their knowledge or skills shows that all team members are valued and that their expertise is given the value it deserves.

Adaptability

Not everyone can adapt, but it is incredibly important for those in leadership positions. The need to adjust, change, and deviate from plans is constant, as things always don’t work out the way they were initially envisioned. With technology, the ability to adapt can be even more critical. Technology does not always work as it was conceived, and leader-supported adaptation is the easiest way for a change to happen. New ideas and technology platforms are constantly being developed within learning and education. As new technology evolves, there is often the need to change course as the original plans or goals may no longer make sense. From my experience as a grade 6/7 teacher, it is not uncommon for technology to be introduced and replaced only a short time later.

Knowledge of Technology and Willingness to Learn

In order for a leader to use technology properly in their role and encourage others to use it as well it is necessary for them to have proper understanding and experience with the specific technology and a willingness to develop their skills further. This will allow them to use the technology properly, support others on their team in adopting it, and help them use it correctly. As a leader, it is necessary to see that although you may have experience with one type of technology, it is often necessary to learn more and possibly even adapt and change the plans. With a leader showing a willingness to learn it will help encourage and support members of their team to do the same and continue to develop their skills and knowledge. Having this as a norm within a company or organization would help it grow and develop in ways that may not have been possible.

Conclusion

Technology does not need to change what leadership attributes hold value and allow for positive or successful leadership. It does, however, mean that for a leader to use and encourage the use of technology properly, some of these values may be more important than others. Since technology is constantly changing and adapting, a leader must be able to do the same. It also means a leader must be open to continually learning and new ideas. However, this leaves me wondering, with how quickly technology changes, what will happen to those leaders, teams, and organizations that are not staying on top of new technology?